Major ferry operators
Mikres Kyklades, Small Cyclades Lines
Mikres Kyklades, also known as Small Cyclades Lines, is a Greek family-run ferry company established in 1956 by Captain Dimitris Skopelitis from Donoussa. The company operates a single year-round vessel, F/B Express Skopelitis, which is the lifeline for the small Cyclades islands of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia and Donoussa. The ship sails six times a week between Naxos and Amorgos via the small Cyclades, and once a week extends the route to Ios and Santorini.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1956 by Captain Dimitris Skopelitis
- Ownership
- Skopelitis family business
- Service area
- Naxos ↔ Small Cyclades ↔ Amorgos; weekly extension to Ios and Santorini
- Vessel (single ship operation)
- F/B Express Skopelitis
- Vessel length
- 45 metres
- Passenger capacity
- 340
- Vehicle capacity
- 11-12 vehicles
- Maiden voyage
- 1956
- Award
- Lloyd's List "Seaways of the Year"
- Frequency Naxos-Amorgos
- 6 times a week
- Santorini and Ios
- Once a week (seasonal extension)
- Operation
- Year-round, all weather conditions
- Online vehicle booking
- Not available; vehicle tickets only at the port
- Infants up to 4
- Free
- Children 4-10
- 50% discount
- Pets
- Free; designated areas; leash and muzzle; EU Pet Passport required
Top Mikres Kyklades, Small Cyclades Lines routes on SimpleFerry
- Naxos → Iraklia → Schinoussa → Koufonisia → Donoussa → Amorgos (Aegiali) → Amorgos (Katapola)
- Amorgos (Katapola) → Donoussa → Koufonisia → Schinoussa → Iraklia → Naxos
- Amorgos (Katapola) → Santorini (Thira) → Ios (weekly seasonal extension)
- Inter-island shuttles within the small Cyclades (Iraklia ↔ Schinoussa ↔ Koufonisia ↔ Donoussa)
Fleet and onboard experience
Mikres Kyklades operates a single vessel: F/B Express Skopelitis, a 45-metre conventional ferry that has been sailing through the Cyclades since 1956. The ship can carry up to 340 passengers and 11 to 12 vehicles. It received Lloyd's List "Seaways of the Year" recognition for its decades of consistent service in some of the most challenging Aegean weather conditions, often running when high-speed and larger conventional ships cannot. The ship operates year-round, six days a week, and is the primary lifeline for the few hundred residents of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia and Donoussa. On board, the Skopelitis offers cosy indoor lounges and outdoor open-deck seating with views of the small Cyclades coastline, plus a small café-bar selling cold drinks, snacks and refreshments. There are no cabins or numbered seats; passengers move freely around the ship and bring luggage with them. Online vehicle reservations are not supported because vehicle space is allocated at the port; passengers wishing to take a car or motorbike must purchase the vehicle ticket directly at the port office on the day of travel.
Booking, check-in and luggage on SimpleFerry
On SimpleFerry, Mikres Kyklades passenger tickets are bookable up to one hour before departure. Vehicle bookings cannot be completed online and must be arranged in person at a port office or partner agency.
Pet policy
Pets travel for free on F/B Express Skopelitis and are welcome in designated indoor and outdoor public areas. Pets must be on a leash and wearing a muzzle. Owners are responsible for the pet's safety, feeding and hygiene throughout the voyage, and must carry a valid EU Pet Passport for travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many ships does Mikres Kyklades operate?
Just one. F/B Express Skopelitis is the company's only vessel and has been running the same Cyclades line since its maiden voyage in 1956.
How often does the ferry run?
Six times a week between Naxos and Amorgos via the small Cyclades, plus a weekly seasonal extension to Santorini and Ios.
Can I book a vehicle online?
No. Online vehicle reservations are not available. Vehicle tickets must be purchased directly at the port office on the day of travel; space is limited to 11-12 vehicles per sailing.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, free of charge. Pets travel in designated indoor and outdoor areas, on a leash with a muzzle, accompanied by their owner. A valid EU Pet Passport is required.
What discounts apply for children?
Infants up to 4 years travel free. Children from 4 to 10 years receive a 50% discount.
Book Mikres Kyklades, Small Cyclades Lines ferries
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